Guess who from
the Class of 92: Manchester United's famous youth side (left to
right) Gary Neville, Ben Thornley, Steven Riley, Chris Casper,
Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Robbie Savage, Eric Harrison (coach),
Richard Irving, Paul Scholes, Mark Rawlinson, John O'Kane, Jovan
Kirovski, Keith Gillespie, David Pierce
David Beckham looks
set to play at Old Trafford next week in Gary Neville's
testimonial.
Neville has been in touch with
old friend Beckham about an appearance in the match against
Juventus next Tuesday, and is confident the former England skipper
will help re-unite Manchester
United's famous 'Class of
92'.
Nicky Butt and Phil Neville
are already confirmed, along with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who
will also be involved despite the proximity of the Champions League
final at Wembley on May 28.
Still got it: Manchester United legend David
Beckham is set to play at Old Trafford once again
'I am in contact with
David,' said Neville. 'It is looking positive but we still have a
couple of things to sort out.
'Hopefully it will be an
enjoyable game for the fans and, four days before Wembley, it will
be like a celebration and send-off for the lads who have done so
well this season.'
Neville admitted a cynicism
about footballers' testimonials has emerged over the past few
years, just days ahead of his own.
Neville confirmed that he
plans to build a 1500-capacity supporters' club close to Old
Trafford with part of the money he receives from the
match.
He is also planning a project
in Malta, where he has had long-time links, ensuring supporters
buying tickets for next week's game know the money is not going
straight to a player who has been well-paid throughout his
career.
Old pros: Gary Neville (right) hung up his boots
earlier this season, but Ryan Giggs is still going strong
'A cynical attitude
has developed in the last 10 to 15 years about the amount of money
that footballers earn,' admitted Neville. 'But look across all
sport; tennis, golf, Formula One. It is huge. It connects everybody
all over the world.
'And football is a huge
business. So much money being poured into the game and it is the
people out there on the pitch who provide the spectacle.
Ultimately, the players are going to be well paid. That is an
inevitability.
'But the reality is that the
lads at this club came into football because they love playing
football. They didn't start kicking a football around in the
hallway at home when they were three because they thought of
money.
'That is why football players
should never forget their roots. If they continue that love of the
game throughout, I don't think anyone would begrudge them
money.'
A detailed planning
application will be submitted later this year with a target to open
prior to the start of the 2013/2014 season.
Although Neville is due to
begin work as a Sky Sports pundit, the 36-year-old clearly has no
intention of stepping back from his barely concealed love of all
things United.
'I am a fan. I have always
been a fan,' he said. 'I wanted to do something for the fans and
have said that publicly for the last 15 years.
'This is something I know will
give me satisfaction and fulfil what I believe to be a thank you,
so the fans can go and enjoy it.'
